spell-check

[spel-chek]

verb (used with object)

1. to process (a document) with a spell checker; check the spelling of.

noun

1. a check for misspellings by using a spell checker.

Word History and Origins

Origin of spell-check¹

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

George looked up the word "suspect" on the computer's spell-check.

From Literature

I can confirm it takes even Arnold Schwarzenegger a full two seconds to spell-check his own name, before he looks up and smiles: "Yes."

From BBC

With the benefit of spell-check, we can lose our own spelling proficiency.

From Scientific American

We take editing tools such as spell-check and autocomplete and predictive texting for granted.

From Scientific American

And his conversational prose style, which can impart the treacherous delusion that you, reader, might also become a famous novelist if you simply typed up 100 percent of your internal monologue and hit spell-check.

From New York Times

When To Use

What does spell-check mean?

Spell-check is computer software that identifies and corrects spelling errors in digital documents and messages. It’s also a noun and verb for the act of checking for misspellings.